How do you patch your system without affecting performance?

Patches are quick fixes of known software bugs that presumably were not known at the time that the software was released. Correcting such problems may be crucial for oporations. Applying patches without affecting system performance: 1. Plan ahead: Before we apply any patches, we need to have a clear plan. 2. Choose the right tools: Using the right tools can make a big difference in your patching process. 3. Test before deploying: Testing is a crucial step. You should test your patches in a separate environment that mimics your real one. 4. Deploy in batches 5. Monitor and evaluate: Monitoring and evaluating your patches will help you ensure that they are working as intended, and that they are improving your system security and stability.

Always test in an approval environment, check the effectiveness of patch implementation and see if it hasn't broken any important functionality for the user. Don't install patches on the same date they are released, as many bugs can appear, always wait a while

Always deploy the patches first in the test environment and monitor for any performance issue. Once verified promote the patches to production and monitor for anomalies . There needs to be a backout plan .Utilizing Change management will help in the long run with smooth deployment and issue tracking and resolution

Impact and Priority should be accessed before installing a patch as a critical patch may not be critical for your organization due to the configuration or existing security control your organization may have adopted. Tools like vulnerability scanners can be handy at this stage.

Utilize tools like vulnerability scanners, patch management software, and test environments to assess the patch’s severity, compatibility, and functionality. Consider potential risks of delaying the patch, such as data breaches, malware infections, or compliance issues. This assessment allows you to prioritize critical patches and avoid those that may inadvertently disrupt system operations or cause compatibility issues. By strategically managing patches, you ensure effective security enhancements while maintaining system stability and operational integrity.

Define dates and times for applying patches, if necessary even document them in GMUD in case of something very critical, however, avoid installing patches just to keep everything in the latest version, there is a difference between latest version and stable version, the impacts can be huge depending on the situation.

Implementation should be planned in a phased approach, UAT first and then a prod pilot and if no issue is observed, the patch should be rolled to all production systems. I would recommend using an established Change Management process to plan and document the schedule so necessary stakeholders get involved.

Avoid patching during peak hours when system demand is high. Instead, schedule patches during low-traffic periods to reduce impact. Coordinate with stakeholders—users, customers, and vendors—by clearly communicating the patching schedule and its implications. Utilize tools like calendars, notifications, and maintenance windows to plan and execute patches effectively. By aligning patching activities with operational cycles and stakeholder expectations, you enhance system stability while minimizing downtime and disruptions.

A change should have a backup plan so that in the event of any issue, a change can be rolled back. This should be reviewed and approved by relevant stakeholders.

Test patches in controlled environments—like sandboxes or virtual machines—to confirm their functionality and compatibility without impacting live systems. Monitoring the patched system’s performance and comparing it to baseline metrics helps ensure that the patch achieves its intended effect without introducing new issues. This proactive approach of backing up and rigorous testing minimizes the risk of data loss and operational disruptions, securing a smoother patching process and preserving system integrity.

After applying the patch, wait a while, reboot the machine, prepare a checklist of what to do after applying an important patch, especially when the change is made in the versioning of an application that can even change its front-end and generate negative impacts on employee experience. It would be the same thing as someone who uses Office 2010 receiving an update to the latest version of 365 or an upgrade from Windows 7 to 11, try to think about the impacts beyond unavailability and integrity.

Agree with Jaos A Santos. A patch shouldn't be implemented straight away unless it's tested and verified as this can cause wider impact on the business/customers. Mitigation or preventive controls can be considered if underlying patches are critical and are vulnerable until the UAT and prod pilot has completed which in general case take a few days (5-10 days)

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